Send Your High School Students to Start a Business

We’re gearing-up for the start of the fall 2019 JA Company Program. From September through December, East Hawaii high school students will meet on Tuesday nights to create their company, manufacture and market products, give back to their community, make friends, and hopefully also make some money.

If you know of high school students who may be interested in the program please have them contact their social studies teacher or school office for a JA application, or signup online here. The deadline to apply is (EXTENDED TO) Friday, August 23rd and Application Night is Tuesday, August 27th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at Waiakea High School. The program itself is held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at Waiakea High School from September 3rd through December 10th.

If you have questions about the program, or if you are a business professional interested in helping to advise one of the teams, please contact JAHI district manager, Alan Shiraishi at jahilo@jahawaii.com or 808-292-0570.

177 Volunteers Help JAHI Reach Its 2018-’19 Goals

Summer is a great time between the school years to take a break and “sharpen the saw,” but also to give thanks to those who made this past school year such a success.

Junior Achievement programs are completely volunteer led, so without volunteers there are no programs. Volunteers teach “needs and wants” to first grade sponges, help 4th graders run “hot dog stands” and advise high school company program teams on the marketing, manufacturing, finance, HR and leadership issues.

During the 2018-’19 school year, 177 JAHI volunteers spent a total of nearly 20,000 contact hours helping over 3,500 students in 165 classrooms in East Hawaii Island!  We send our sincere thanks to each and every one:

Continue reading “177 Volunteers Help JAHI Reach Its 2018-’19 Goals” →

Who’s Next in the Hawaii Business Hall of Fame?

Please join us for a reception honoring Sharon Scheele, our 2019 Big Island Inductee to the JA Hawai`i Business Hall of Fame, and Art Taniguchi, the inaugural recipient of JA of Hawai`i Island’s Distinguished Supporter Award.

Saturday, March 2, 2019
5:00 – 8:00pm
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Moku`ola Ballroom

Tickets are $100 individually or $800 for a Reserved Table of Eight. Please complete the RSVP form and return by February 19th.
For more information call 936-4798 or email rhayashi@ronnelle.com.

Continue reading “Who’s Next in the Hawaii Business Hall of Fame?” →

JA Company Program Events

Please join us for two great events at the end of our JA high school Company Program 2018 season:

ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTATIONS –Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Na Leo TV, 91 Mohouli St.  – During this time each company’s officers will present their company results and learnings. Seating is limited. If you are a family member of an achiever, after your student’s company has presented please make your seat available for family members of other companies. No charge.

FUTURE UNLIMITED BANQUET – Tuesday, January 29, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at Sangha Hall – The Future Unlimited Banquet is the fantastic conclusion to our 15-week JA high school Company Program. In addition to the delicious buffet dinner catered by KTA Super Stores, attendees will also enjoy an inspiring key-note speech (speaker to be announced) and of course the recognition of the outstanding effort of the individuals employees, officers and advisors, as well as the incredible results of our four JA high school companies. Parents and supporters of these young entrepreneurs are invited and encouraged to attend.Student and Advisor participant attendance is paid for by their sponsoring company. Cost for family and supporters is $16.00 when pre-paid by 1/15/2019 (using online link), or you can pay $20.00 (cash or check only) at the door.

Exciting Gifts at JA Trade Fair 2019

It’s JA Trade Fair Time!
Fri. Nov. 23rd & Sat. Nov. 24th
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
at Prince Kuhilo Plaza – Old Navy Wing

You’ll find unique gifts, including…

  • Locally-sourced potted succulents and metal cuff bracelets
    from United Youth, sponsored by HFS FCU
  • Gold and pearl necklaces and bracelets
    from Hanauna Hou, sponsored by Na Leo TV
  • Silk screened kitchen towels and scrunchies
    from Chosen 2 Achieve, advised by HPM and Bank of Hawaii, and
  • Handmade cork coasters and trendy shoelace bracelets from Maika`i Productions, sponsored by Big Island Toyota

Please come by and show your support for these enterprising young companies comprised of high school students from across East Hawaii Island!

Sign Up for JA’s High School Company Program

UPDATE: Due to weather impact, the registration deadline has been extended to Friday, August 31st (for application by online form–see original post for link, or by email to jahilo@jahawaii.org or text to 808-292-0570).

The JA Company Program is gearing-up for fall 2018. From September through December, East Hawaii high school students will meet on Tuesday nights to create their company, manufacture and market products, give back to their community, make friends, and hopefully also make some money.

If you know of high school students who may be interested in the program please have them contact their social studies teacher or school office for a JA application, or signup online here. The deadline to apply is Monday, August 27th and Application Night is Tuesday, September 4th from 6:00 to 8:30pm at Hilo High School (note new location for Application Night only). The program itself is held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00pm at Waiakea High School through December 11th.

If you have questions about the program, or if you are a business professional interested in helping to advise one of the teams, please contact JAHI district manager, Alan Shiraishi at jahilo@jahawaii.com or 808-292-0570.

Welcome Alan, Our New District Manager

Alan Shiraishi is no stranger to Junior Achievement, having been a volunteer for JA’s elementary, intermediate and high school programs for 14 years.  In May, Alan came aboard as JA of Hawaii Island’s part-time district manager. In addition to his knowledge of JA, Alan comes to the organization with over 40 years of experience in business management in the banking industry. Alan is also well connected in the community with current and past affiliations with the Waiakea Lions Club, Toastmasters International, Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, to name a few. Continue reading “Welcome Alan, Our New District Manager” →

Young Hawai‘i Island Entrepreneurs Recognized At 38th Annual Junior Achievement Awards Banquet

2018 Scholarship Recipients

Junior Achievement of Hawai‘i Island congratulated outstanding young entrepreneurs and awarded $3,500 in scholarships at the 38th Annual “Futures Unlimited” Awards Banquet on January 30, 2018 at Sangha Hall.

The Junior Achievement company program helps high school students develop leadership and entrepreneurship skills by guiding them through the creation of a small business, from product development to marketing and sales. The awards recognize the hard work of the students and advisors from local businesses.

A familiar face returned home to Hilo to keynote the awards banquet. Jimmy Chan, founder of the Hawaiian Chip Company, is a 1993 Waiākea High School graduate and a Junior Achievement company program alumnus. He shared his entrepreneurial journey with the audience, and spoke about the importance of the lessons he learned through Junior Achievement.

Continue reading “Young Hawai‘i Island Entrepreneurs Recognized At 38th Annual Junior Achievement Awards Banquet” →

Young JA Entrepreneurs Build Business Skills This Weekend

Eighty-one students from three East Hawaii high schools are excited about more than turkey and family this Thanksgiving. For the last eight weeks they have designed, test-marketed and manufactured their companies’ products, and on Black Friday they’ll find out how well their wares sell during the Junior Achievement Trade Fair. The annual two-day event will be held at the Prince Kuhio Plaza on Friday and Saturday, November 24 and 25, from 10:00am to 5:00pm each day.

Continue reading “Young JA Entrepreneurs Build Business Skills This Weekend” →